NEW MAN IN CHARGE: Wigan have appointed Gary Caldwell as their new manager [GETTY]

Caldwell, 32, takes over from Malky Mackay, who was relieved of his duties yesterday afternoon after the Latics' Easter Monday defeat to Derby.

In a statement, the Championship strugglers confirmed the appointment of the former Celtic centre-back, who made 109 appearances for the club.

"Wigan Athletic are delighted to announce that club captain Gary Caldwell has been appointed as the new manager of the club on a permanent contract," the statement read.

"Following a day of discussions at the DW Stadium today, Tuesday 7 April, 32 year-old Caldwell, who turns 33 on Sunday, will be formally presented to the media at a press conference on Wednesday morning, where it will also be confirmed that Graham Barrow will continue as Assistant Manager, alongside Eric Black as First Team Coach and Mike Pollitt as Goalkeeping Coach."

AXED: Malky Mackay was sacked yesterday [GETTY]

“Wigan Athletic are delighted to announce that club captain Gary Caldwell has been appointed as the new manager of the club on a permanent contract,”

Wigan Athletic FC

Caldwell, who retired from professional football at the end of February, is pleased with his appointment and is relishing the opportunity that has been given to him.

He said: “I’ve made no secret of the fact that I wanted to move into management when the time was right.

“I didn’t expect that to come along as quickly as this but, in football, you need to take opportunities when they arise and I am honoured and excited in equal measures to take charge at the Latics, where I have shared such incredible memories over the past five years.

“We are in a really tough place at the moment, but we will approach the next five games with only one thing in mind, to win. After that, we will assess where we are and move on.”